Smartphone Users Report Sleep Texting
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Polka Dot Images/Thinkstock(SEATTLE) — It’s bad enough we’re constantly attached to our smartphones morning, noon and night. Now, a growing number of patients give new meaning to “fear of missing out” with reports of texting and updating social networks while sleeping.
Texting has become close to second nature, so much so that people are reportedly doing it while unconscious, sleep neurologist Dr. Lina Fine told ABC affiliate KOMO.
“The most powerful tool we have is language, and the smart phone has become a common way to communicate,” Fine told KOMO. “It’s reflective to go for something we use the most.”
Digital communication while the user or sender is asleep can make complete sense or be unintelligible. The content originates from a person’s subconscious, Fine explained.
Stress or sleep disorders can lead to the abnormal nighttime activities.
The Swedish Medical Center neurologist detailed one instance where a man posted unkind comments about his girlfriend on Facebook mid-slumber. Another patient reported sending texts with negative thoughts about their boss to their superior while asleep.
Fine advises sleep texters to remove their devices from their rooms before going to bed or putting a lock on the phone.
Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio